Document MX3XjJ2b5nBrwe1gd4G33ZK9

There are a number of aspects of the mining industry which concern the Commissioner for Public Health. (A) General - Silicosis and Asbestoals: :>h - v : ; He is concerned with the ^ccc^ra^e^-pf ^ili- cosis and of silico tuberculosis.-.in;rggJ.d:in|ii'erpj-^^-;^a'be6-.. . *' "5y'> tosis and silicosis in 'employees of .the'Australiair'Blue .: rr Asbestos Mine at Wittenoora. At prasenVj^throu^^h^s'.medical staff, a check on the health of these m'ineenployees is regularly made. However, he feels that his Department could he more actively concerned in the prevention of this disease. rFor example, he would like to see established a more efficient 1 method of dust counting at Wittenoora. .The KGnpraeter method g of counting, used for silica dust, is not the most suitable for the count of asbestos fibres. He is concerned with problems in other raining fields. Lead: In the years 1949-1953, there were more cases of lead poisoning in the mining industry in Western Australia than all other industries. Not less than JO cases are recorded; many are probably not recorded. This high inci dence has occurred despite the relatively few raen engaged in the industry which is indeed only of an intermittent nature. Manganese* He is concerned with manganese raining. Mangane: poisoning may result in a grossly disabling, crippling disease with severe mental changes. This condition has occurred mostly in manganese miners, drilling underground in dry, poorl.' ventilated conditions. He considers that the manganese raining industry in 7/estem Australia should be assessed by his . Department, with a view to the prevention of poisoning rather than to await a first case. (B) The Hines Peculation Act: W-. He considers that his bepartraQt;;is.`best equipped to advise and .implement Section'6l ?{y)jpfi.'the. MinesRegulation Act No. 54 of 1946. The assessment of the danger of noxious* fumes (Regulation 158) should be that of this Department. The only specific mention of the Commissioner . of Public Health is in Regulation 1J7 ' This stipulates;jthat.` he shall be a member of the wines Ventilation Board ih^ah^'rAhh